Autonomous Launch & Recovery System Demonstrated

Kraken Robotics’ new Autonomous Launch and Recovery System allows for rapid mobilization and demobilization on multi-role platforms across a range of different vessels By Abi Wylie / 15 Nov 2024

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Manufacturers AUV

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 6 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Autonomous Launch & Recovery System Demonstrated
Follow UST

Kraken Robotics Inc. has completed demonstrations for its new Autonomous Launch and Recovery System (ALARS) for the KATFISH™ towed synthetic aperture sonar (SAS)

The new ALARS was built to fit a 20-foot International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container footprint to increase interoperability with different vessels, allowing for rapid mobilization and demobilization on multi-role platforms. The system enables autonomous launch and recovery of KATFISH up to Sea State 5.

During the demonstrations, participants were able to view the KATFISH SAS data live-streaming onboard the vessel, detecting and classifying seafloor contacts in real-time, including high-resolution imagery of the Governor Cornwallis shipwreck.

High-resolution SAS data and command and control information were also streamed wirelessly back to shore and displayed to the attendees of Canadian Naval Mine Countermeasures Symposium taking place at HMCS Scotian in Halifax, Nova Scotia the same week.

Kraken’s new ALARS will be delivered to an Asia-Pacific naval customer by the end of the year.

Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics, commented, “This was a great opportunity to both test our new ALARS and demonstrate KATFISH for key naval clients. The ocean is an unforgiving environment, and the highest risk to technology and personnel is during launch and recovery. 

“Demo participants were able to witness our technology in action, observing both the advanced autonomy of the ALARS as well as the high-resolution real-time SAS data from KATFISH while aboard the vessel.”

David Shea, Executive Vice President and CTO of Kraken, added, “The ability to stream live, high-resolution seafloor data to analysts and mine warfare officers in real-time, from both manned and unmanned platforms, is a critical enabler for modern navies. 

“Kraken was excited to be able to provide a live demo simultaneously in-person and for a remote audience, showing how remote operation and intelligent autonomy helps get humans out of the minefield. 

“These capabilities are standard with the KATFISH system and are being continuously improved as our NATO customers deploy them in operations every day. We look forward to getting this new ALARS out into the field with our customers.”

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

How to Balance Drone Propellers by Adding & Removing Material

Tyto Robotics explains how adding or removing material from drone propellers can improve flight stability, precision, and system performance

May 19, 2025
TEKEVER Supports RAF Programme with VTOL UAS for Electronic Warfare

TEKEVER’s AR3 uncrewed aerial system is supporting the UK’s StormShroud programme, advancing electronic warfare capabilities through modular integration and collaborative defence innovation

May 19, 2025
New Long-Endurance VTOL Drone to be Showcased at Xponential 2025

At Xponential 2025, Unmanned Aerospace will display their GH-4, a long-endurance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotorcraft with a patented Automatic Pitch System (APS) and modular capabilities

May 19, 2025
Advanced Turnkey UAS Solutions for Civilian & Defense Applications

Altus LSA's multirotor and fixed-wing drones have been selected by leading clients including NATO, FRONTEX, and the European Maritime Safety Agency

May 19, 2025
AGISTAR Releases Modular USV for Aquatic Survey Applications

AGISTAR introduces the BX-USV II, a compact modular platform engineered for aquatic data collection, environmental monitoring, hydrographic surveying, and infrastructure inspection in shallow and inland waters

May 19, 2025
New Line of Combat-Proven USVs Enhances Maritime Operations

Red Cat Holdings expands into maritime autonomy with a new line of combat-proven USVs, enhancing multi-domain capabilities for modern naval and joint-force operations

May 19, 2025

Featured Content

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.